David Schnarch on Revisualization
Revisualizations are a core technique in David Schnarch’s Crucible Neurobiological Therapy aimed at resolving steady-state regressions—that persistent state of emotional reactivity that keeps you stuck. It involves re-experiencing past events visually, focusing on the sensory details and emotions of the experience rather than simply recalling a narrative or story. It's about tapping into your implicit memory (SAM), where raw sensory information and emotional imprints are stored, and integrating those experiences with your explicit memory (VAM), where you make sense of events and create narratives.
Here's the process:
Choosing the Scene:
Identify a past event that evokes strong emotions when you think about it. This could be an interaction with a specific person (parent, spouse, sibling, etc.) or a situation that left a lasting impact.
It's often helpful to start with vivid memories, even if they're not directly related to your current challenges.
Setting the Stage:
Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed.
Close your eyes and allow the scene to unfold organically. Don't try to force it or control the imagery. Let your mind naturally drift back to the setting.
Focus on the sensory details: What do you see? What are the colors, shapes, and textures? What do you hear? Are there any specific smells or tastes? Pay attention to the physical sensations in your body.
Watching the Interaction:
Observe the people in the scene, including yourself. Pay close attention to their body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Don't analyze or interpret what's happening. Just observe as if you're watching a movie.
Pay attention to what you can't see. Are there any missing pieces of information? Are certain people absent? What happens next that isn't in the image? These gaps can often reveal important insights.
Shifting Perspectives:
Experiment with viewing the scene from different perspectives:
First-Person: Watch the scene as if you're experiencing it through your own eyes.
Third-Person: Imagine you're a fly on the wall, observing the interaction from an outside perspective.
Shifting perspectives can help you get unstuck if you're having trouble accessing certain memories or if certain details are blocked.
Mapping Their Mind:
As you watch the scene, try to step into the shoes of the other person involved. Imagine what they're thinking, feeling, and wanting in that moment.
Consider their motivations: What are they trying to achieve with their words and actions?
Don't make assumptions or project your own thoughts and feelings. Base your understanding on their observed behaviors and your knowledge of their personality.
Repeating and Integrating:
Repeat the revisualization process with the same scene or different scenes as needed. Each time, you may uncover new details or gain new insights.
Allow the insights from the revisualizations to inform your understanding of the present. How do those past experiences influence your current relationships and behaviors?
Important Considerations
Be Patient: Revisualizations take time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't experience immediate breakthroughs.
Be Mindful of Your Window of Tolerance: If the revisualizations become too overwhelming or trigger intense emotional distress, take a break or consult with a therapist.
Stay Grounded: Remember that the goal is to gain insight, not to dwell in the past or to blame others.
Apply the Insights to Real Life: The ultimate goal of revisualizations is to use the insights you gain to make positive changes in your current relationships and behaviors.
Revisualizations, combined with other techniques like written dialogues, can be powerful tools for resolving steady-state regressions, fostering differentiation, and developing a stronger sense of self. They allow you to reclaim your personal narrative and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
